We took a tour of the Pórtico da Gloria, with two others.  We had to wear helmets and climb scaffolding so it was a little scary, but well worthwhile.  The photos are not mine; I did not dare let go of the railings.   In some ways this was the highlight of my visit to Santiago. 

The Pórtico da Gloria is a Romanesque entrance way designed by the genius, Mateo and completed in 1188.  The portico has three round arches that correspond to the three naves of the church. The central arch, twice as big as the other two, contains a depiction of Saint James.  Vertically, the lower part is formed by the bases of the columns, decorated with fantastic animals; the middle portion consists of columns adorned with statues of the apostles.  

 

  

In the centre, is the image of Christ surrounded four evangelists. On both sides of the evangelists, behind Mark and Luke, are four angels.  Above the heads of these angels, are two large groups of souls of the blessed, forty in all. These are depicted comically at times, to hold the attention of the worshippers.  One is female, indicating that Mateo considered women important.  He was clearly forwarded thinking, as the role of women in medieval society was servile. 

 

Many of the Romanesque figures were displaced during rebuilding.  They were then recycled to other areas of the cathedral. Below are my own photos. The figures resemble the originals at the top of the portico which still have some 13th century paint on them.